FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TINIDAZOLE ENTERIC COATED TABLETS FOR COLON TARGETING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Aim and Objective: Colon-specific delivery systems have garnered significant attention for their capacity to localize therapy within the large intestine, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy for colonic disorders and reducing systemic toxicity. Methods: Core tablets containing tinidazole were prepared using a variety of polymers in distinct ratios, followed by application of an enteric coating. Pre-compression evaluation included assessment of powder flow characteristics and compatibility checks between the drug and excipients via FT-IR spectroscopy, with all batches demonstrating no evidence of interaction. Post-compression, tablets were tested for weight uniformity, mechanical strength, friability, and content uniformity, alongside in vitro dissolution studies under conditions simulating gastrointestinal transit. Results: All formulations exhibited acceptable chemical and physical properties, with assay values ranging from 98.44 % to 99.89 %, indicating consistent drug loading across batches F1 through F5. The F5 batch emerged as the optimal candidate, sustaining tinidazole release for six hours and achieving a cumulative release of 98.32 %. Stability testing of F5 at 45 °C and 75 % relative humidity over three months revealed no significant changes in performance or integrity. Consequently, formulation F5 is proposed as a robust platform for targeted colonic delivery of tinidazole. Conclusion: The investigation achieved the formulation of enteric-coated tinidazole tablets optimized for oral delivery and targeted release in the distal gastrointestinal tract. Peer Review History: Received 9 June 2025; Reviewed 14 July 2025; Accepted 23 August; Available online 15 September 2025 Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, [email protected] Reviewers: Dr. Ali Awad Allah Ali Moh. Saeed, National University, Sudan, [email protected] Ali Jaber, Laboratory for Research and Development of Medicines and Natural Products, RDMPN, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon, [email protected]